Wandering to Titles – A Mixed Bag (October) Episode 5

We unfortauntely couldn’t take our heroics into October. We were unbeaten in 7 heading into the Sevilla game. Any away game in Europe is tough. I set ourselves up to hit them on the counter and try and nick a win – but what was to come was infuriating.

We completely dominated the game in terms of chances. We had 5 clear cut chances and 2 half chances compared to their zero. We just couldn’t convert. Magical Jota had a poor game by his standards and was hauled off after 71 minutes. Their winner game in the form of a 95th minute strike. Absolutely devastating. A point away at Sevilla would have been excellent but I felt robbed after leaving the stadium.

Arsenal in the league were next. They had started the league strongly and although we were at home, we had to be careful. They have immence fire power up top.

Both teams had chances to win. Looking back a 1-1 draw seems like a fair result. We gave them a really good game and showed we could mix it up there with the better teams of the league. Overall, I’m happy with the performance.

Prior to Burnley, we were unbeaten in 5 games in the league. Much needed after the poor start.

But what was to come was my lowest point in my short life as the Wolves manager.

Burnley were 19th as we kicked off this game. It was a match we had to take by the scruff of the neck and make sure we win to help propel us up the table. After going 1-0 down via a Chris Wood penalty, Willy Boly grabbed a straight red card for a horrible challenge. I was livid. While I gave him a lot of praise in my Squad report in Episode 1, he’s had an awful start to the season. Two own goals, now this. He has a lot to do to win back my trust.

We even had a Cutrone headed equaliser ruled offside on the 84th minute. A poor day all-round. We mustn’t dwell.

Back to winning ways with us hosting FK Astana at the Molineux stadium. I rotated slightly in this match, but it was a must win for us, considering our poor start in Europa. A 4-0 thumping saw us grab all 3 points, and we even saw the first club goals from Gibbs-White and Ronan which I’m very pleased about.

Gibbs-White played the full 90 minutes in a AMC role. At 19 years old, he has great potential and will be rotating with Van de Beek this season as and when needed. I have high hopes for this lad.

Southampton at home was a routine win. Dendoncker’s versatility proved to be useful here as he stepped into CM following Moutinho picking up a knock.

He showed his class as he managed to hit the back of the net with a long range effort.

Doherty has already become jaded and is hoping for a rest. This is worrying considering we are only in October. This just goes to show how many games we have already played. I suppose it doesn’t help that he plays in a position that demands the most out of my players. He’s a naturally fit lad though so I expect him back shortly.

We hosted Arsenal for the second time in a month. We were locked in a stalemate again. The only thing that could separate us was a pentalty shootout. Not ideal to be playing extra time as we had Spurs in three days, but we have to persevere.

Penalty shootouts are a lottery. Anyone can win them. It just wasn’t our day. But I won’t lose any sleep over it. I’d rather this and a point in the league to be honest. We already have enough games.

A Look At The Table

We currently sit in 9th. It’s quite conjested in the middle, but I’m happy with where we are at the moment. Liverpool are yet to lose a match and see themselves 4 points ahead of their nearest rivals.

Leicester are the most suprising at the moment, and not for the right reasons. 1 win in 10 is very poor and I expect a managerial change if this continues. They’re too good to get relegated. While it’s too early to assume that, I’ll be keeping a close eye as they have some fantastic players in Ben Chilwell and James Maddison to name a few who I would love to poach off them.

Jimenez Leading the Line

Jimenez is already showing he is worth every penny. While I cannot take credit for his transfer, I happy to reap the rewards of it.

He’s currently outscoring everyone in the league with 9 goals in 10 games. Long may it continue!

Short And Sweet

Next month we currently only have 4 games scheduled. This is especially needed with players already jaded and a jam packed December to come.

Both Europa League games are must wins in my eyes to make sure we move onto the next round. Both are away games but close to full strength sides will be needed.

Until next time, enjoy your time with FM20. Remember to follow me on Twitter: @ExtraTimeFM